The Los Angeles Times publishes a reader’s positive response to previous coverage of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to treat PTSD. The letter of support comes from James M. Bivins, a Navy nurse who has worked with many veterans who suffer from PTSD. Bivins speaks about the “exciting” potential of using MDMA as an adjunct to therapy, noting, “It makes sense that psychotherapy would work better as a result. More studies on this, please.”
Originally appearing here.
Re “Ecstasy ingredient is studied as PTSD aid,” March 16
As a Navy nurse and a psychiatric nurse practitioner student, I have worked in multiple venues caring for service members who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
In my experience, a key factor that prevents these individuals from recovering is their proclivity to isolate and avoid activities (including crowded places, events, social gatherings and so on). Over time, these behaviors worsen and have negative effects on every aspect of life, making psychotherapy less effective.
It is exciting to me that this key barrier is either greatly alleviated or removed altogether with the use of MDMA. It makes sense that psychotherapy would work better as a result. More studies on this, please.